Dear Parents and Carers,

If are reading this newsletter…

If you have a high school certificate…

Furthermore, if you have a degree…

You can thank your ability to read for that.

That’s obvious, right?

Well, yes, while reading is obviously important to be able to understand the words on the page, it is also the foundation of your ability to learn and ultimately, your ability to function properly in an ever-changing society. Do you remember as a child when you learned to read? Most of us probably don’t, but now you can’t imagine life without being able to. You couldn’t understand anything on Facebook, you wouldn’t be able to text or even follow your favourite recipe. Something as simple as reading the clothing label on your favourite shirt for washing instructions would be impossible without the ability to read…

So, it is easy to see why it is important, but it is even more important for our children. As they grow, they will need to possess the necessary reading skills to make it through school and into their career.

Below are 10 reminders about why reading is important for kids:

1. It expands their vocabulary.

While reading, they might come across words they have never heard – prompting them to find out what they mean. As a result, they add it to their vocabulary.

2. It makes them better at it.

Practice makes perfect, right? The best way to get better at reading is just to do it!

3. It helps build independence and self-confidence.

As they learn that they no longer have to rely on their parents to read things to them, they develop a sense of independence. Through reading, they can begin to understand the world on their own.

4. It keeps them safe.

Traffic signs have words and so do warning labels. Reading allows kids to understand when something says it could harm them.

5. It helps them make sense of the world around them.

As they learn to read they are able to determine what things around them say – from signs to stickers to labels. Being able to read helps them understand what is what and the purpose it serves.

6. It leads to their future academic success.

A child must be able to read in order to even progress through school. Reading is essential to following the instructions in the work and being able to even understand or answer the questions.

7. It enhances their imagination.

As a child reads, they can begin to imagine where the characters are. They might even create their own little world, as well. Reading enhances their imagination by forcing them to picture what the character actually looks like and who they are.

8. It entertains them.

It gives them something good to do – especially once they can start reading chapter books with no pictures, forcing them to really get into their imagination and therefore, really get into the book as well.

9. It improves their grammar.

Through reading, they can see how the author composed their sentence structure and grammar. This can also help improve their communication skills as they determine how it should be read using clues such as punctuation.

10. It improves their writing skills.

Because reading helps improve their vocabulary, communication, and grammar skills, it ultimately improves their writing skills as well.

Reading is essential to just about everything in life – from cooking to driving to just getting through school. It is important to start at a young age and teach your child the value of reading so they will grow to practice it often and value their ability to do so. Book Week is a perfect opportunity to celebrate all things reading. Our theme for book week this year is ‘Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds’. Keep an eye on the newsletter for some updates about Book Week which commences Monday 23^rd August.

Thank you for your ongoing care and partnership in your child’s learning.

God bless.

Rachel Smith

Principal